 |
||
|
News > In the Headlines
Chicago Public School plans to close at least four schools and overhaul several others, ignoring students' needs, says Dr. Eric Gutstein, education professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago. "The process by which CPS closes schools is horrendous," Gutstein said. "When a school closes, [the students'] educational attainment doesn't improve." Rosemaria Genova of the Chicago Teacher's Union criticized the turnaround process, which replaces the entire staff of an underperforming school, yet generally keeps those at the root of the problem employed. "When teachers and students have this kind of disruption in the relationship it's almost as though you're firing all the players and keeping the coach," she said. Genova added that chances to improve underperforming schools often go overlooked. "They're not working with the educators," she said. "They're not using research-based methods to improve these schools."Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman Friday announced plans to turnaround five schools, close four schools, consolidate four schools and phase out one school. Genova said she's fighting to keep two schools from becoming turnaround schools, because they take part in the Chicago Teacher Advancement Program, which rewards teachers who take on more work. Rev. Torrey Barrett, who operates an after-school program for children on the south west side, said the 2009 closure of Princeton Elementary in his neighborhood uprooted many of the locals. "Most of the students were looking for stability and a lot of them didn't appreciate the fact that schools were shut down," Barrett said. "They had to go out of the community to different schools." Jennifer Lister, whose child attends Prescott Elementary, said she and other parents are hoping the school will not close. "There are great things going on at Prescott," she said. "We are putting together a plan now." |
|
|
Students First Illinois | Ronald J. Gidwitz | 200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4000 | Chicago, IL 60606 | email | (312) 943-1955 p (312) 943-8397 f © 2006 Students First. All Rights Reserved |
||